Florida Citrus Celebration at Bok Tower Gardens – Follow Up

                The Florida Citrus Celebration has been a great success so far and we sure hope it will continue to be so. I was able to witness firsthand the events held on Saturday, November 8^th and I can agree that the Florida Citrus Celebration is worth seeing and the events worth attending.

                The OJ Meet and Greet with the Queens was the first event I was able to attend. There were nine Citrus Queens who attended: Brenda Eubanks Burnette, Shannon Potts Franco, Lori Schirard Grubb, Dana Morgan Hamlin, Mandy Hancock Jarrett, Lisa Maile, LaVoyce Leggett Porter, and Nikki Upthegrove Mathews. One could take pictures with these women by the Captain Citrus photo stand or simply talk with them about their citrus experiences. Afterwards, the former queens were able to chat with each other about their nostalgic days as Citrus Queens at the Citrus Queen luncheon.

                There was also the Citrus Crate Label Show and Sale that I got to see. Beautiful citrus labels stood proudly on display like intricate pieces of artwork for citrus loving visitors to enjoy. During the times when I was supposed to be watching the table and answering questions, even I found it difficult not to look at the collection of citrus labels in front of me. It was nice to know that if anyone was particularly interested, they were able to purchase some to take home.

                In addition, there were all sorts of tours to take around the gardens. One that I was interested in, but was unfortunately unable to go on, was a citrus grove tour with John Jackson, the President of the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame. I am sure it was definitely a sight to see.

                At least I was able to see the historical exhibit, “Central Florida’s Citrus Culture,” which was very interesting. It is definitely worth mentioning that the citrus display will be in place through January 3^rd, 2015. There is still time to visit Bok Tower Gardens and see the public exhibit celebrating the 90^th anniversary since the first Florida Citrus Queen pageant and the 85^th anniversary of Bok Tower Gardens.

I definitely urge anyone who is interested to seize this opportunity to see this exhibit and take part in the Florida Citrus Celebration before it is too late.

                Written by Selys Rivera

Student Fellow at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center